New grad (RN)-desperate for advice

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey everyone. I graduated from an ASN program in May. Passed the NCLEX-RN in July. And now, almost mid-October, I'm STILL contemplating on whether or not to get a job yet. I'm really wanting to move by Summer 2016. That's my ultimate goal. I'm still living under my parents roof and they take care of me, but it would be nice to have some extra spending money and to start getting experience. But here's the problem- I am absolutely terrified to work as a nurse. I'm scared I won't "fit in" to the facility, that I'll make a huge mistake like a med error, and that I'll never get the hang of things....I've heard it takes a year or two before you begin to feel competent as an RN. :/ And I know time management is a big thing if you work at a hospital. I'm also afraid that my orientation and/or preceptor won't teach me well enough before I go out on my very own....As you can tell, I'm pretty much worried about everything and I probably sound crazy. You're probably thinking, "Oh she's just like every other new nurse". And this may be, but it sure doesn't feel like it :( I feel very abnormal when it comes to how scared I am. And I feel stupid because I spent 2 years working my butt off for this degree, and when I finally get it, I'm too scared to work... it doesn't make any sense. I just really need someone out there to tell me they have been in my shoes and to give me some advice. All my friends have jobs already, so I just feel so bad.

Does it look bad to get a job and then leave after 7 or 8 months? Please help. I need to know that I'm not alone out there when it comes to being afraid!

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Depending on your area's job market, the longer you wait, you may find it increasingly difficult to be hired once you do feel "ready".

Time management will be a big part of any nursing position, not just at a hospital. Is it working with very sick/injured pts that scares you? Maybe look into other areas away from acute care. What areas did you enjoy during clinicals/lecture?

Put yourself out there & give it a go. You won't know if you will be successful if you don't try.

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Specializes in Postpartum/Lactation/Nursing Education.

If you really want to be a nurse you really need to actively start looking for a job. The longer you wait the more your anxiety will increase. Your fear will end up taking over. Remember, the longer you're out of school the less confidence you'll have in your nursing knowledge as well as any skills you gained during school. If you don't want to work as a nurse that's fine, find another career. But if you want to work as a nurse I highly suggest you do so sooner than later. The longer you wait the harder it will be to get back into the nursing mindset. Also, if you're that anxious maybe it wouldn't hurt to talk to a therapist who may be able to offer you some tools for coping with your anxiety. Good luck :)

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

You could leave the house and get hit by a truck. Anything could happen...that's what life is all about. The longer you wait, the rustier your skills are going to get. You may have trouble getting a job the longer you wait.

The only way you're going to know if nursing works for you is to just jump in with both feet and try. Why didn't this occur to you during your nursing program? If you did well in your nursing program, then it's highly likely that you'll be fine. Of course it's scary; it's a lot of responsibility. But you're never going to know if you don't try. If the worst happens, then OK, a least you tried.

Get out there and start applying for jobs...NOW!

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I understand where you are coming from. I received my license last year and have not started working. When I got my license I also became pregnant, so by time interviews came around I was not getting a call back. I went and finished my BSN (originally had my ADN) and received an endorsement license since I moved in that time frame.

I feel completely rusty and out of touch and am extremely worried about working in the nursing field. I worry I might be completely clueless and EVERYONE will know. lol... However, I didn't go to school for nothing and so I am just going to jump in where ever possible. I have put in several applications and am hoping to land something. The wonderful thing about nursing is that there are so many different specialities to get into that do not involve the hospital. Such as working for insurance companies or pharmaceuticals. Maybe do public health? You'll never know what you're good at in this field if you don't at least give it a try (that's what I tell myself). Best of luck.

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Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.

I relate to that feeling too .. It's like you're 10/10 anxiety and you cant calm down.. Its really encouraged to work in a hospital but you may do better in a different setting to start with. I did LTC and SNF and now acute rehab.. The ltc was extremely stressful but the patients are all stable. At my particular place I had tons of love and support and people holding my hand , which I need sometimes (as weak as that sounds.) It may be helpful for you to keep company culture your number one priority when finding your first job , no matter what the setting. That way you can build confidence first, and skills later

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